Duterte slams US for hitting planned Russian submarine deal

Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday slammed the United States after one of its defense officials said the Philippines' plan to acquire submarines and other military equipment from Russia is unhealthy for its alliance with Washington.

“Is that the way you treat an ally and you want us to stay with your for all time? Who are you to warn us?” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City.

While on a visit to Manila, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver had warned the Philippines against acquiring military hardware from Russia, one of Washington’s rivals.

According to Schriver, when a country buys weapon systems, “you’re not just buying capability, you’re investing in a relationship.” The US has been a primary source of military equipment for the Philippines, being a long-standing ally.